Ionospheric Scientist and Modeling Lead
$95,000–$140,000 year
RemoteUnited States
United StatesRemoteFull Time$95,000–$140,000 yearSenior LevelDoctorate Or Professional DegreeMedium
Full TimeSenior LevelDoctorate Or Professional DegreeMedium
Job Summary
Develop and validate physics-based ionosphere and thermosphere models to improve space weather forecasting for communications, navigation, and satellite drag. Coordinate model development activities across multiple agencies, guide research priorities, and manage the ionospheric modeling group at SWPC. Transition high-priority models from research to operational forecasting, ensuring they meet scientific validation and software infrastructure requirements. Engage with the scientific and user community to identify innovations, pursue external research capabilities, and present results through publications and conferences.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Physical Sciences, Atmospheric Science, Space Physics, Engineering, or a related field
- at least five years of experience in research or operational forecasting
- expertise in ionosphere and thermosphere modeling
- scientific programming (Fortran and Python)
- model validation
- demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate scientific projects, scientists, and computer programmers
- Thorough understanding of the physics and chemistry of the ionosphere and thermosphere
- Knowledge of space weather physical processes, including the interaction of the solar wind with Earth's magnetosphere and the resulting response of the ionosphere and thermosphere
- A desire to leverage science in the service of society
- Ability to work in a mission-focused, operational environment and interest in implementing new products that are appropriate to such environment
- Scientific programming skills and experience, particularly regarding Fortran and Python
- Skills in analysis and validation of physical models, especially competency and experience in comparing physical model simulations with satellite and ground-based data
- Knowledge of and experience with the WAM-IPE model or other physics-based Ionosphere-Thermosphere models
- Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate a small team of scientists
- Ability to think critically and make independent decisions
- Ability to work well in a team
- Strong communication skills, demonstrated through written documents and oral presentations to audiences with widely varying degrees of sophistication and expertise
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with the impacts of space-weather induced ionospheric and atmospheric disturbances on radio wave communications, satellite navigation, or satellite drag
- Familiarity with the impacts of the lower atmosphere on space weather
- Experience with data assimilation methodology
- Familiarity with modern software management paradigms and tools (e.g., GitLab, Docker)
- Experience with parallel programming/computing and High-Performance Computing
- Experience developing high-quality and insightful visualizations of scientific datasets
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